Press Releases

Burbank Proposes Campaign Spending Limitations for the 36th District House Race; Carlyle Declines

Seattle, May 9, 2008

 

Last night, the 36th District Democrats held a debate between John Burbank and Reuven Carlyle, the two candidates running for the open State Representative seat.  In response to a question about the need for campaign financing reform and spending limitations, after both agreed to support public financing of campaigns, John Burbank proposed that both candidates voluntarily agree to a suggested campaign spending limit of $50,000 per candidate for the primary and $50,000 for the general election.  Any amount raised over these limits would be donated, half to local food banks and half to the 36th District Democrats to assist Democratic candidates in state wide races.  

As a result of the recent Supreme Court ruling overturning Washington State's primary system, two Democrats will be forced to compete against each other in November for this seat in the 36th District.  It is likely that without this voluntary spending limitation, Carlyle and Burbank will spend over half a million dollars to preserve a safe Democratic seat in Seattle.  His opponent, Reuven Carlyle, rejected this proposition out of hand, characterizing it as unworkable.

Burbank vowed to continue to press for campaign limitations in the 36th District House Race.  "The reason we never get genuine campaign reform is that politicians have a conflict of interest and the lure of money to win and buy elections always trumps the public interest," stated Burbank, a long time citizen reformer.

Rossi: Gregoire Must Step Up and Get the Math and Science Grant Back

Redmond, WA - Dino Rossi today called on Governor Christine Gregoire to provide leadership and help secure the $13.2 million grant offered by the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) to expand and improve Advanced Placement courses for low-income children.

"On education, we should do what's in the best interest of our children, not respond to what the adults are squabbling about. The state government has a miserable record lately when it comes to helping improve math and science skills for students.  The NMSI is an organization with a proven track record and to see this money turned away is a scandal," said Dino Rossi.

 

"The incumbent is facing a $2.5 billion deficit next year. This is no time to be saying ‘no' to additional money, especially when it will improve math and science skills for students in low income areas.  The incumbent needs to try and fix this problem, even if it means standing up to a friendly special interest supporter. She must address this wasted opportunity because in the end it is our children who end up paying the price."

 

Rick Bart (R-Arlington) on Rick Larsen's endorsement of Barack Obama  

--------------------------------------
"I strongly disagree with his odd perception of reality.  The reality is that the 110th Congress has a lower approval rating than President George Bush. The reality is that Americans no longer trust Congress.  The best hope we have for a better future is to change Congress," said Rick Bart.   

 

Bart's comments come after hearing that his opponent, Rep. Rick Larsen said today that he is endorsing Barack Obama for President.  Larsen said Obama was "the best candidate to turn our best hopes for a better future into reality."

"Larsen's statement that Obama's performance this week in primaries in North Carolina and Indiana show "he can take a pounding and come back strong to deliver his message
of hope and change just wreaks of grandstanding and partisan politics.  While it's nice to see Rick Larsen make a decision, once again he is one of the last people in his own party, in Congress and in the country to take a stand on this issue," said Bart

 

"Our country is a nation that consumes too much, saves too little and has to borrow huge amounts of money from abroad to finance our fiscal and trade deficits. Both political parties must begin to work together to solve this crisis now! The finger pointing and political posturing of the past several years has done nothing to resolve this very real threat. Inaction by Congress is threatening our quality of life, exclaimed Bart."

Rick Bart is the retired Sheriff of Snohomish County ([A1] retiring January 1 2008).  Rick was elected in 1995 and served for the past 12 years.  Sheriff Bart was in law enforcement for over 37 years, 34 of which were with the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office where he worked in virtually all areas including patrol, civil, corrections and investigations.  From 1978 through 1989, he was assigned to homicide investigations and was eventually assigned supervision of all homicide investigations.  He also commanded a patrol precinct and served as division commander for investigations.  

"This campaign for Congress is going to be about trust; about getting things done and about leadership.  When I became Sheriff, I learned quickly to gain and keep the trust of the people.  Without it, the Sheriff's office has nothing.  All of our authority comes from the people and Congress is no different!  Without our trust, Congress has nothing.  Their authority comes from the people they serve. Right now, most people don't trust Congress. Why? Because nothing is getting done and our problems are going unsolved.  They are not only going unsolved, they are getting worse! They are not working together to solve those problems.  Instead our taxes continue to climb and record numbers of Americans are losing their homes to foreclosure," explained Bart.  

"In 1995, when I became Sheriff of Snohomish County, there were a lot of naysayers that said we couldn't restore trust in our Sheriff's Department.  But we did it, one person at a time.  Likewise, restoring trust in Congress is not an impossible task....it can be done!"

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Larsen Pledges Super Delegate Vote to Obama

Everett, WA - Today U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), who will servenas a super delegate to the Democratic National Convention, endorsed BaracknObama for President of the United States of America. Larsen released thenfollowing statement:

"Today I am endorsing Senator Barack Obama for President.  I believe SenatornObama is the best candidate to turn our country's hopes for a better future into reality.

"This week, Senator Obama has proven that he is tough and resilient. He has shown that he can take a pounding, come back and continue to communicate with the public to deliver his message of hope and change.

"In my district, Senator Obama has strong grassroots support.  He has inspired and energized my constituents like no other candidate.

"I believe that Senator Obama will be the best President for our country. I have been particularly impressed by Senator Obama's truth-telling on a proposed gas tax policy - a proposal which would make little or no difference for Americans paying too much at the pump.

"Our country faces great challenges.  As President, I believe that Barack Obama can unite our country to overcome obstacles and deliver real change."

Global Climate Change: McCain vs. "Dino the Denier"

Will McCain call out Rossi on his Neanderthal record?

SEATTLE - Republican Presidential candidate John McCain will bring his campaign to give Americans a 3rd Bush term to Washington state next week to discuss his efforts to fight global climate change. And while McCain's campaign suggests his visit to the green-friendly Northwest will boost his faux "maverick bona fides," McCain must not have coordinated his message with Republican Dino Rossi, whose abysmal record on global climate change and outright denial of a scientific consensus for action puts him severely at odds with both McCain and an overwhelming majority of Washingtonians.

McCain has openly repudiated deniers of global warming in campaign stops across America, suggesting to the Rossis of the world that "the debate is over." And while Rossi sarcastically dismisses the issue, McCain has even purchased paid campaign advertising declaring "the time is past when we argue about whether climate change is real or not."  

The contrast between McCain and anti-science Neanderthal Rossi on climate change couldn't be any sharper:

Rossi: "...there's still a lot of debate going on this, we see it out there and there's going to be a big debate coming up in the next two, three years. Because there are, you know, I've listened to other scientists who disagree with, you know, I know - why are people even bothering about long term planning if Al Gore says the world is going to end in ten years or fifteen years - but there are a lot of scientists that disagree." [Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce, 3/8/07]

McCain: "I think the time is past when we argue about whether climate change is real or not. We have an obligation to future generations to take action and fix it." [McCain New Hampshire Radio Ad, November 2007]

McCain: "The overwhelming majority of scientific opinion in America today and in the world is that climate change is real. The fact is that it is real ... and I believe that we have an obligation, as do increasing numbers of the evangelical community, that we have an obligation to the stewardship of this earth, and I'll be glad to exchange scientific information with you, but in my view, the debate is over." [McCain Town Hall, Spartanburg, SC, 2/18/07]

Rossi's denial of global warming and his abysmal record on climate change lines up exactly with his ultra-conservative, right-wing building industry backers, who have built Rossi's political career from the ground up. The BIAW has touted their efforts to fight action on global warming in Washington state, listing opposition to Gov. Gregoire's climate change legislation and election of Republican Dino Rossi as top priorities in the battle.

"While Gov. Gregoire continues her strong leadership to address climate change, Republican Dino Rossi is stuck in the Stone Age - with an abysmal record and extreme far-right allies that leave no doubt he would reverse our substantial progress on this critical issue," said Kelly Steele, spokesman for the Washington State Democratic Party. "Despite an overwhelming scientific consensus and the strong desire of Washingtonians for action, Rossi continues to oppose efforts to address global warming pollution - further evidence that we simply can't trust Rossi with our future."

So will McCain set "Dino the Denier" straight on global climate change during his visit?

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"Dino the Denier" - Rossi's Neanderthal Record

on Global Climate Change

 

Rossi's "Position" on Global Warming Parrots Far-Right Industry Language Against Action:

Ø      Science Is Unclear on Global Warming

Ø      Natural Cycles Explain Current Warming

Ø      "Still a Lot of Debate Going On"

 

Q: "Where are you on global warming?"

Rossi: (scoffs) "Where am I on global warming? The uh, I mean it's clear that the earth, the earth is warming. That is clear, I mean, I think if we were to count how many feet of ice we were under many, many, tens and hundreds of millions of years ago - right where we are standing, right here - the earth has been warming and it will continue to warm. Apparently we've hit, we've hit the same temperature that it, that it had increased to in about, oh, twelve hundred AD I think it was. So, I mean, it was warmer then too. Uh, there are cycles.

There are things that we can do obviously to, to make sure that the environment is clean.  That the air is clean, that the water's clean, all those sorts of things that need to be done. 

I think you also need to make sure that you look at the real science of this too and make sure that it makes sense. And so, uh, well-uh I-uh there's still a lot of debate going on this, we see it out there and there's going to be a big debate coming up in the next two, three years. Because there are, you know, I've listened to other scientists who disagree with, you know, I know - why are people even bothering about long term planning if Al Gore says the world is going to end in ten years or fifteen years - but there are a lot of scientists that disagree. So, I mean, we'll see how this debate goes, but I don't think anyone should panic at this point." [Rossi at Port Orchard Chamber, 3/08/2007]

 

Rossi is Out of Touch with Washington Business Leaders and Voters on Climate Change:

Major Washington State industry leaders are lining up behind Governor Gregoire's goals to reverse the effects of climate change.  The Columbian newspaper reported that "Electric utilities, timber companies, Alcoa and the pulp and paper industry all said they support the goals of the climate change legislation, including creation of a market that would allow polluters to trade the ability to emit carbon dioxide within an overall limit, or cap.  ["State's top industries warm to Gregoire's climate change legislation," The Columbian, January 24, 2008]

A strong majority of Washington voters support legislative action to combat climate change.  A recent statewide poll commissioned by the Washington Environmental Council found that "nearly seven in 10 voters endorse the idea of requiring businesses and utilities to reduce their output of global warming pollution. Furthermore, an impressive eight out of 10 voters support the idea of establishing programs to train people for green jobs in renewable energy and conservation.

"On the issue of climate change, there are no regional biases and Washington voters are united; at least six in 10 voters in every region of the state say they favor moving forward on legislative solutions to global warming. Washington voters agree that climate change is a serious issue and they support taking action to combat global warming."  [Climate Poll, Washington Environmental Council, 1/22/2007] 

In Olympia, Rossi Opposed Even Studying Global Warming Through a Privately-Funded Center:

 

Rossi opposed establishing the Washington Climate Center, an "impartial, unbiased source of credible and reliable information about climate change for the public." Rossi repeatedly voted against legislation to establish the Washington Climate Center, a research institution focused on studying global warming and evaluating policies to reduce its impact. By opposing the bill:

 

• Rossi Opposed Creating a Source of Unbiased and Credible Information on Climate Change, For Policymakers, Business Interests and the Public. Rossi voted against legislation for "the establishment of a central clearinghouse to serve as an impartial, unbiased source of credible and reliable information about climate change for the public." The legislation stipulated that "this research and information holds important value in helping scientists, citizens, businesses, and public policymakers understand how Washington may be affected by these changes."

 

• Rossi's Vote Disavowed Possible Impacts of Climate Change on Washington's Economy and Infrastructure. SB 6619 stated that: "It is in the public interest to support efforts to promote discussion and understanding of the potential effects of climate change on Washington's water supply, agriculture, natural resources, coastal infrastructure, public health, and economy, and to encourage the formulation of sound recommendations for avoiding, mitigating, and responding to those effects." Washington Climate Center Would Have Been Privately-Financed. Rossi voted against building a center to study climate change despite the fact that the legislation stipulated: "The center shall be funded through grants and voluntary cash and in-kind contributions." [SB 6619, Rossi - Nay 2/16/2002; SB 5674, 3/13/2001, Rossi - Nay]

 

Rossi Tried to Block Legislation Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Recognizing the Threat of Climate Change, and Making Washington a Leader in Clean Energy Consumption. 

On the Senate Ways and Means Committee, Republican Dino Rossi attempted to block SB 6718, legislation designed to combat global climate change and shift Washington's energy consumption toward cleaner sources. By opposing the bill:

 

• Rossi Opposed Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions by State Government. SB 6718 mandated that "State government adopt a policy to meet its energy needs with no net increase in greenhouse gas emissions."

 

• Rossi Opposed Recognizing the Threat of Climate Change. SB 6718 found that "State government actions to promote and use clean energy are consistent with the state's environmental commitments, including addressing the increasingly imminent dangers to Washington's qualities of life that are threatened by global climate changes and improving local and regional air quality."

 

• Rossi Opposed Making Washington State Government a Leader in Clean Energy Consumption. SB 6718 found that "As a significant consumer of energy resources and a committed steward of public health and environmental quality, Washington state government is well-positioned to be a leader in promoting and using clean energy." [SB 6718, 2/12/02, Rossi - Do not pass]

 

Rossi Voted to Give Huge Tax Breaks to Proposed Gas-Powered Plants. Rossi voted for HB 6062 in 1999 that would have given a $24 million dollar tax break to a proposed gas-fired electricity plant in Sumas, Washington and other ‘similar facilities'.  The plant would have churned out massive amounts of greenhouse gases, while the plan lacked any pollution mitigation provisions and created only 25 jobs.  [HB 6062, 1997; WCV 1999 Scorecard]

 

Rossi Voted Against Sensible Changes to Air Emission Testing. In 1999, Rossi voted against SB 5886, which would have increased the number of cars required to obtain emissions tests. Rossi also opposed  SB 5240, which would have permitted the Department of Ecology to raise emission testing fees by $4 to $10 in order to break even on the money paid private contractors to conduct testing.  [SB 5886, 1999; SB 5240, 2001]

 

Rossi Used Taxpayer Money to Attend the Far-Right, Anti-Environment, American Legislative Exchange Council's Conventions. Rossi took four taxpayer-funded trips to attend American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) conventions. ALEC is opposed to federal environmental legislation, saying that by implementing it at the federal level, states' individual laws, procedures and even constitutions are often superseded.  ALEC has also opposed efforts to regulate automobile emissions, including criticizing provisions of the Clean Air Act. [www.alec.org; Rossi PDC F1, 2003; Rossi PDC F1, 2002; Rossi PDC F1, 2001; Rossi PDC F1, 1997]

 

 

Rossi Campaign Announces 32,000th Donor

Norman Brocard of Clinton Wants Changes to Ferry System, DOT

Redmond, WA - Norman Brocard of Clinton recently became the 32,000th contributor to the Dino Rossi for Governor campaign.  Dino called Norm to personally thank him for his support of this citizens' movement to change Washington.

Norm, a retired forester and logging engineer, recently made a donation of $100 to Dino's campaign.  Norm is conservative in his political views; he believes in fiscal responsibility and the protection of second amendment rights.  He said that while he's not normally involved in making political donations, he's willing to give to someone he believes in and he knows that money is needed to help win elections.  His motivation to donate to Dino originates from a number of items he would like to see fixed in Washington state.  In fact, he describes what he's seen coming from state government recently as downright "disgusting."

The way the Washington State Department of Transportation has been managing the ferry system tops Norm's list of trouble issues.  He specifically mentioned the Keystone Ferries "fiasco", referring to the four ferries on the Pt. Townsend-Keystone run that were pulled from service in November for which the state still has not begun to build replacements.  "To find out that they let those boats go to pot was disgusting for me and other island residents," he said.  He wants to see more responsibility in transportation in general, and looks forward to getting Dino in office to change DOT. 

Norm also wants tighter reins on state finances - something he says hasn't happened since Gregoire took office.

Norm is a first-time donor to Dino's campaign, and he's not alone; he and other first-time donors make up 62% of the total contributors to the Dino Rossi for Governor campaign.

 

McMorris Rodgers Announces New Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus

(Washington, D.C.)  Today, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers and other members of the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus held their first briefing.  Today's briefing marks the first official event of the bipartisan caucus since its launch last week.  

McMorris Rodgers co-chairs the caucus.  She and her husband Brian have a one-year-old son, Cole, who has Down syndrome.

 

"The news of Cole's Down syndrome was at first difficult to get our arms around and we were eager to learn all we could," McMorris Rodgers said. "I'm often asked how being a mother has changed my life and changed my priorities, and I can assure you that it's all been for the better.  I have a new passion and a new energy for everything that I do.  We have every intention of doing everything possible to ensure Cole has every opportunity to reach his full potential.  I believe the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus will be a vehicle to help bring this information to the forefront so all families of children and adults with Down syndrome can lead happy lives."

There are more than 350,000 people with Down syndrome in the U.S., but past and current funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is disproportionately low when it comes to finding treatments and increasing understanding of secondary disorders that often afflict people with Down syndrome, like Alzheimer's disease and atherosclerosis.

Today, the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus held its first briefing on what research is being done at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  The NIH updated us on its 10-year research plan which calls for increased research on the medical, cognitive, and behavioral conditions that occur in people with Down syndrome.

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Paul Richmond, Democratic Candidate for U.S. Congress

Washington's 6th District

2023 East Sims Way, #263, Port Townsend, WA, 98368

Phone: (360) 379-5575, Fax: (360) 379-5116

www.richmond4congress.com

 

MEDIA RELASE, May 8, 2008

 

6tH District U.S. Congressional Candidate Paul Richmond calls on Incumbent Norm Dicks today to Vote against further funding for the Iraq War and Occupation.

 

Today the Congress is asked to allocate 162 Billion to continue the useless Iraq War and Occupation with no strings attached. Estimates are now that the war will already cost us Six Trillion ($6,000,000,000,000) Dollars. That does not include the more than thirty thousand (30,000) wounded veterans and their families.

The rank and file of the Democratic Party has been asking for us to leave Iraq

for many years. At the 2004 National Convention the majority of the delegates wanted us out. The Democrats won majorities in both houses in 2006 in large part because this war had gone on too long and people wanted us out. At the local party's conventions and platform meetings, it's one of the main things people talk about. The money that's being wasted killing people there could be used to feed us here, educate us, give us medical care, end the repossession of our homes. We can build an infrastructure that isn't falling apart. We can start whole new industries around fuel sources other than petroleum.

The war and occupation in Iraq has brought us more than 4,000 American dead and more than 30,000 Americans mortally wounded. This last means tens of thousand of young Americans with parts of their bodies no longer working or parts of their bodies missing. It means thousands of young Americans with parts of their skulls blown off trying to learn how to speak, trying to learn to walk, trying to learn to feed them selves again. It means thousands of young Americans spending their lives around machines that help them breathe. It means thousands of young Americans who need their relatives to help them with their catheters so that they can even urinate. And as for the country we are supposedly trying to save, when you add in the number of refugees, wounded and dead, the number of Iraqi people whose lives have been utterly annihilated now far exceeds the number of people living in the 6th District and rivals the entire population of Washington State.

 

Enough is enough. Congressman Dicks seems to have joined with others in acknowledging that his vote authorizing the war was a mistake. It is time he corrects it and votes no today. It is time he uses the political clout and takes a leadership role in ending this debacle, as his constituency asks.

Rossi's Transportation Fantasy Stiffs Eastern WA 

 

Rossi's "plan" does nearly nothing east of the Cascades, while taxpayers foot the bill for the rest of the state

 

SEATTLE - Republican Dino Rossi's road fantasy is a bad nightmare for eastern Washington residents.  Rossi's much criticized proposal includes just eight projects for eastern Washington counties and spends just 15 percent of the total $15.5 billion (in 2007 dollars) proposed under Rossi's fantasy plan east of the Cascades. Rossi's proposal has already been labeled as "complete silliness" by independent transportation experts and roundly criticized by newspapers across the state.

 

Richland's Jim McCabe described the situation in a column in today's Tri-City Herald:

 

"It doesn't take an east-sider long to figure out Rossi is trying to woo votes from the weary Puget Sound commuter at the expense of the weary Eastern Washington wallet. ... while there is no doubt that troubling transportation issues plague the Puget Sound area, Rossi's plan disproportionately shifts those costs to Eastern Washington for political expediency. Our kids and grandkids deserve better, and Eastern Washington's economy deserves better."

 

"Rossi's transportation fantasy is actually a bad nightmare for folks living in eastern Washington, stealing billions of taxpayer dollars while proposing just eight transportation projects east of the Cascades," said Kelly Steele, spokesman for the Washington State Democratic Party.  "Gov. Gregoire has made historic progress in delivering safety and congestion improvements to eastern Washington, which Rossi would halt by diverting tax dollars as part of his made-up transportation fantasy - further evidence that Washingtonians simply can't trust Rossi with our future."

 

In 2005, Governor Gregoire led the effort to gain bi-partisan support for a historic transportation improvement plan (Transportation Partnership Act) that included critical investments in eastern Washington roadways.  That same year, an initiative (I-912) was filed to cancel the 274 projects and the construction funding.  While Governor Gregoire showed leadership and condemned the misguided initiative, true to form, Dino Rossi refused to take a position.  I-912 was soundly rejected by voters statewide.  Not only did Rossi fail to take a position on the initiative, he continues to criticize the Transportation Partnership Act in his 2008 campaign.

 

Since taking office in 2005, Governor Gregoire has completed over 30 highway projects in eastern Washington and approximately 60 additional projects are planned, funded or currently under construction.

 

Examples of Gregoire's eastern Washington transportation accomplishments include:

 

COMPLETE:  SR 270 Widening - Pullman to Moscow    

The Department improved capacity and safety by widening SR 270 from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane road.  SR 270 is an important commute route between two university communities, Pullman (Washington State University), and Moscow (University of Idaho). Along with passenger vehicles, this route also carries a large number of heavy trucks.

 

UNDERWAY:  SR 28 Rock Slide Protection - Douglas County   

The rock slope nettings will provide redirection and containment of rocks that fall from the slope onto SR 28 below Rock Island Dam in southern Douglas County.  Stage three of the project commenced on March 28th of this year. Aside from the benefits of reducing the driving hazard presented by falling rocks on the highway and the accommodations for future expansion of SR 28, drainage and sight-distance are also improved. This further improves safety and reduces maintenance expenses.

For a complete list of Gregoire's eastern Washington transportation accomplishments and planned projects click here:  WSDOT Project Map  

 

 

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Rossi's Eastern WA Road Nightmare

Funded Projects in Eastern Washington Counties in Dino Rossi's Transportation "Plan"

 

County

Projects

County

Projects

Adams County  

0

Kittitas County

3

Asotin County

0

Klickitat County

0

Benton County

0

Lincoln County

0

Chelan County

1

Okanogan County

0

Columbia County

0

Pend Oreille County

0

Douglas County  

0

Spokane County

1

Ferry County  

0

Stevens County

0

Franklin County

1

Walla Walla County

1

Garfield County

0

Whitman County

0

Grant County   

0

Yakima County

1

 

          Total Eastern Washington Projects = 8

 

Summary of Rossi's Stiffing of Eastern WA Roads

 

Total Eastern WA Expenditures with North/South Freeway project in Spokane = $2.329 Billion

Rest of state = $12.271 Billion

Without North/South Freeway project = $129 million

Rest of state = $15.371 Billion

Percentage of tax dollars spent in eastern WA with North/South Freeway project included = 15%

Percentage of tax dollars spent in eastern WA without North/South Freeway project included = less than 1%

 

Notes on total eastern Washington expenditure:  Assumes Rossi's proposed $500 million in funding toward the 27 projects listed on page 15 is divided equally among all projects.  ($500 million divided by 27 = 18.5 million).  Of the 27 projects Rossi proposes on page 15, just 7 are located in eastern Washington (7 x $18.5 million = $129 million).  This figure is then added to the total Rossi proposes to spend on the North/South Freeway in Spokane ($2.2 billion).

 

Rossi Campaign Announces 31,000th Donor

Supports Rossi Because He Stands for Working Families

Redmond, WA - Jolene Mulligan of Cusick recently became the 31,000th contributor to the Dino Rossi for Governor campaign.  Dino called Jolene to personally thank her for her support of this citizens' movement to change Washington.

Jolene and her husband moved from Spokane to Cusick, located in Pend Oreille County, about 10 years ago to give her 5 boys more room to run around.  She recently made a $20 donation to Dino's campaign to become the 31,000th donor.  Jolene told us that she would have given more, but unfortunately money is tight because her husband recently lost his job.  "It would have been a lot more if I could've done it," she said.  Like many others who have contributed to the campaign, she and her husband were upset when Dino didn't win in 2004 but are happy to see he's running again.  "I'm glad he didn't just go away."

Jolene says she wants a governor who will give people more say in state government.  When asked to explain further, she said that she wants a governor who will pay attention to eastern Washington, and someone who she can back morally.  "I believe he stands for the working class," said Jolene. 

At the end of the conversation when Jolene was thanked for her support, she in turn thanked the campaign for paying attention to the grass roots supporters.  Jolene is one of a growing number of those supporters who have helped the Dino Rossi for Governor campaign surpass the total number of contributors from the 2004 campaign. 

 

 

Kevin Haistings announces candidacy in 45th LD, cites need to change the culture in Olympia

 

Carnation, WA- Kevin Haistings, a 23 year law enforcement veteran and former president of the Seattle Police Officers' Guild, announces his candidacy as a Republican in the 45th Legislative District. The House seat is currently held by Democrat Larry Springer.

 

Haistings, 47, is a lifelong Washington resident who was born and raised in the Puget Sound area. He has worked in law enforcement his entire adult life and is now a Sergeant with the Seattle Police Harbor Patrol unit. His campaign platform will focus on closing the achievement gap in our public schools, relieving congestion in our transportation system and putting families before felons in public safety.

 

"As a police officer and first responder, I have seen the impact of Olympia's spending problem and the negative impact it has in our communities. We have to get our priorities straight.  I will work to balance the state budget while balancing our priorities of education, transportation and public safety. We must do better!" said Haistings.

 

Married to his wife for 24 years with two teenage sons, Kevin Haistings has been a leader in his community as a Cub Scout leader, PTSA volunteer, Little League umpire and volunteer firefighter.  He served 10 years on the board of the Seattle Police Officers' Guild, is Vice President of the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation and is a volunteer with the Ronald McDonald House Holiday Cruise program.  His family resides in the Carnation area. As avid boaters, they enjoy getting outdoors in the beautiful Pacific NW.

 

Rossi Campaign Surpasses Total Number of Donors from 2004

Video: Dino Surprises Rhonda Ray Wells of Auburn to Say Thanks

Redmond, WA - Dino Rossi's gubernatorial campaign reached a milestone last Friday by surpassing the total number of contributors from the 2004 campaign. Dino made a surprise visit to Rhonda Ray Wells to thank her for being the 30,746th contributor to this citizens' movement to change Washington.  

Dino has been personally calling each 1,000th contributor to the campaign, but made an in-person visit to Rhonda's home in Auburn to celebrate this special milestone.  She had been told that a campaign staffer would be dropping off a copy of Dino's book as a thank you for her $50 donation, but had no idea that Dino would be stopping by himself.   After opening the door, she immediately went to get her husband who exclaimed "Hey, Dino Rossi - wow!" 

Both Rhonda and Paul supported Dino in 2004 and were quite disappointed when he didn't win.  After the interview, we asked if they donated in 2004 and Rhonda said, "No we did not... and see what happened?"

Paul and Rhonda listed many reasons why they support Dino, including his private sector background and desire to make Washington better for small business.  "We don't make it a habit to contribute, but we thought your cause was worthwhile," said Paul.

While not every contributor to the campaign gets a personal visit and balloons, they're working to make sure they get what they really want - a new governor in November.

 

Gregoire receives WSLC endorsement

 

Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO backs Gregoire after unanimous vote

 

SEATTLE - Gov. Chris Gregoire has received the endorsement of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (WSLC).

 

"Whether we are making healthcare more affordable or creating opportunities through education and apprenticeships, we are getting results for working families across the state," said Gregoire. 

 

Over the weekend the WSLC hosted its annual convention where Gregoire received unanimous support of the more than 350 union delegates who represent more than 400,000 union members across the state.

 

"It only required a two-thirds vote but Chris Gregoire got unanimous approval from the delegates at our convention. She's been a great governor for Washington's working families. She has overseen the creation of more than 220,000 new jobs, has doubled the number of apprenticeship opportunities in the state and is presiding over the lowest unemployment rate in the history of our state," said Rick Bender, president, WSLC.  "Her management skills have made Washington the 5th best place in the country to do business and at the same time we have moved to 4th in union density proving that good business and good working environments go hand-in-hand."

 

"Washington workers recognize Chris Gregoire as a much better candidate than Dino Rossi. Rossi's record against working families is clear. Dino voted to take away overtime pay, cut unemployment benefits, block prescription drug reform, lower the minimum wage and denied collective bargaining rights for thousands of workers in Washington state. For working families there is no comparison," said Bender.

 

For more information on Gov. Chris Gregoire and her campaign, please visit www.ChrisGregoire.com.

 

Washington State Patrol Troopers Association Endorses Rep. Larsen for Re-Election

 

Everett, WA - The Washington State Patrol Troopers Association has endorsed U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) for a fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

 

"Endorsing Congressman Rick Larsen again was an easy decision for the Troopers Association board," said Tom Pillow, President of the Washington State Patrol Troopers Association, today. "He has been a friend with an open ear and open door during his entire tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, always supporting public safety issues that are critical to every officer's personal and professional lives. Serving on the highly important Transportation and Infrastructure Committee he is working hard to secure funding for needed U.S. 2 safety improvements. As a member of the Armed Services Committee he has stood up in support of our military heroes." 

 

In a letter to Larsen, Pillow wrote, "Your understanding of transportation safety matters and your position on public safety issues make you the clear choice for re-election."

 

"I am honored to have the support of the Washington State Patrol Troopers Association which represents over 1,100 Washington state law enforcement officers who work every day to keep us safe," said Larsen. "I will keep working in Congress to support local law enforcement and make sure they have the tools they need to fight crime and protect our communities."

 

The Washington State Patrol Troopers Association represents over 1,100 troopers, detectives, and sergeants throughout Washington state. This is the third time the organization has endorsed Larsen for election to U.S. Congress.

 

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Rossi Campaign Announces 30,000th Donor

William Klein, Navy Veteran, Wants a New Governor

Redmond, WA - Retired Navy Veteran William R. Klein recently became the 30,000th contributor to the Dino Rossi for Governor campaign.  Dino called Bill today to thank him for his support. 

Bill served for 26 years as an Electronics Technician Master Chief in the U.S. Navy before coming to Washington state.  He now lives in Nine Mile Falls and in retirement has time to watch his grandson pitch for Central Washington University's baseball team.  Bill and his wife contributed $50 to the campaign, and he said receiving a call from Dino that they were number 30,000 was a sign of good luck. 

What inspired Bill to give to this campaign was the candidate himself.  "He's the kind of Republican I'd like to see in office," Bill said about Dino.  Though he admitted that the word change gets thrown around quite a bit during campaign season, that's exactly what he wants to see in Washington state government.  Talking to Bill reveals that he sees things from a conservative point of view and, citing specifics like taxes and fees, he believes that Dino meets his criteria for a good governor.  Bill said he's willing to donate again, and looks forward to putting a Rossi sign up in his yard.

Bill is one of a growing number of people joining this citizen's movement to change Olympia.  The number of contributors to the Dino Rossi for Governor campaign is only 745 shy of the total contributors from the 2004 campaign.

Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA)

Statement on Passage of Wild Sky Wilderness Act

April 30, 2008

 

"This is a great day for all of us who treasure the magnificent natural resources we dearly love and want to protect in the Pacific Northwest.  The Wild Sky Wilderness Act, which I co-sponsored, passed overwhelmingly in the House of Representatives last night; it was contained within S.2739 - Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 - that the Senate already approved. The legislation is on its way to the President to be signed into law.

"The legislation designates 106,577 acres in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, northeast of Seattle as a wilderness area.  It is the first new wilderness designation in 20 years and I'm very proud to have been part of protecting this land for future generations.

"Of course this is landmark environmental protection legislation, but I also believe it is landmark planetary stewardship legislation.  As a nation, we know the extraordinary issues surrounding global warming ultimately relate to how we protect the precious and threatened planet we inhabit.  The Wild Sky Wilderness Act is a step in the right direction."

Reichert Lauds Swift House Passage of Wild Sky

 

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) made the following statement today upon the passage of the Wild Sky Wilderness legislation in the House:

 

"I'm pleased to see the Wild Sky legislation pass so quickly out of the House again, following the Senate's unnecessary delay of this important bill. Passage today makes this bill ready for the President's signature, and I will encourage him to quickly sign it into law. After the long fight for this bill, Washingtonians have reason to hope for the addition of more wilderness areas. I hope the excitement surrounding this occasion spurs momentum to move forward with the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Expansion bill."

Education, healthcare workers endorse Governor Gregoire

 

SEIU locals say Gregoire is getting results

 

TACOMA - SEIU Washington State Council (775, 1199NW, 925, 1948-PSE and LOCAL 6) today endorsed Gov. Chris Gregoire.  The Council represents 100,000 members working in long-term and home care; hospitals and mental health facilities; and, childcare, education, janitorial and security workers.  

 

"I'm proud to earn the support of the SEIU Washington State Council and their membership who are working to improve our communities everyday," said Gregoire.  "By working as partners, we've been able to improve the lives of workers and take giant steps forward on improving the accessibility of early childhood education and making healthcare safer in our state."

 

Gregoire received the endorsement alongside SEIU members from five different locals at the Community Montessori School in Tacoma.

 

"Governor Gregoire has worked with childcare providers, teachers, directors and advocates to ensure that low-income children have access to healthcare and quality childcare, so their parents can go to work and provide for their families," said CathyRaye Hyland, director of Community Montessori in Tacoma and member of SEIU 925. "This important work needs to continue, and we need Governor Gregoire in Olympia so we can continue to make progress."

 

As governor, Chris Gregoire took on the challenge of expanding healthcare coverage and got results.  In the past three years, 84,000 more children and 17,000 more adults have access to healthcare.

 

"Chris Gregoire is the Healthcare Governor - she's fought through red tape to ensure our kids have access to quality healthcare, and she recognizes how important safe staffing in our hospitals is," said Bev Barker, an RN and SEIU Healthcare 1199NW member from Swedish Medical Center. "As a nurse, I see how Governor Gregoire's work protects patients."

 

Gregoire has made record investments in early childhood education all the way up through college enrollment.

 

"We are raising standards and expecting more from students, but our schools, from kindergarten to college, are taking on more responsibilities and dealing with new problems," said Arlista Holman, registrar at Auburn High School and member of SEIU 1948-PSE. "As a public school employee, I know Washington state needs a governor like Chris Gregoire who understands the challenges of our public schools and who will step up and exercise the leadership to improve our schools."

 

Like Gregoire, the SEIU's members support children, the elderly and working people.

 

"The difference between Chris Gregoire and Dino Rossi on long-term care issues couldn't be greater," said Phil Bradford, a home care worker and SEIU Healthcare 775NW member in Tacoma who works with Catholic Community Services. "Chris Gregoire has fought for increased training for caregivers, and improved quality of care for seniors and people with disabilities. They are all better off thanks to Governor Gregoire."

 

"Most of our members - who are janitors, security officers and other building service workers across our state - are barely able to make ends meet. Governor Gregoire stands up for the needs of our hard working families," said security officer and SEIU 6 member David Miles.

 

For more information on Gov. Chris Gregoire and her campaign, please visit www.ChrisGregoire.com.

 

 

When will Gregoire act to address her $2.5 Billion Deficit?

Redmond, WA - The non-partisan Senate Ways and Means Committee staff reports that Washington state's general fund is facing a $2.5 billion deficit beginning next year. Many states across the country are also facing budget deficits. Governors and other elected officials are proactively looking for ways to solve their budget gaps now. But Christine Gregoire has not suggested a single belt-tightening measure in response to the deficit forecast.

 

According to a recent article at stateline.org, Washington is one of four states with a pessimistic outlook about the 2009 budget. States across the country are considering many different options for addressing future deficits:

 

• At least 16 states plan to reduce spending or eliminate programs.
• Gov. Jon Corzine (D-NJ) has called for a spending freeze in 2009 and is looking to reduce the total number of state employees.
• Nevada imposed a 4.5-percent across-the-board cut for all agency budgets and is looking at another across-the-board reduction for 2009.
• Illinois is looking at privatizing its lottery.
• Maine is considering selling unclaimed property.
• Maine and Ohio plan to transfer money from other state funds to the general fund.

 

In our state, Washington State University and Eastern Washington University have announced they are slowing or halting new hiring in order to prepare for the state budget shortfall. Eastern Washington University President Rodolfo Arevalo noted: "If we can save money now, if we have a shortfall we won't have to cut program budgets abruptly..."

 

In Pierce County, County Executive John Ladenburg has told department leaders to help find 1.5 percent worth of reductions this year to address revenue shortfalls.

 

"State spending is up 33 percent since the incumbent took office.  Her spending has led the state toward a huge deficit. She needs to act right now.  She needs to change course and begin to reduce spending.  Unlike so many other government officials in our state and nation, Christine Gregoire is not acting to address the $2.5 billion deficit," said Dino Rossi. "The earlier she takes steps to slow spending the better for everyone, especially those dependent on government services."   

 

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Job-Slayer John McCain to Campaign in Washington State

Republicans Rossi & McKenna remain silent as McCain continues to brag about killing Boeing tanker deal that outsourced 9,000 Washington jobs

SEATTLE - Defying the friendly advice of Democratic Chairman Dwight Pelz, Republican John McCain will bring his campaign to give Americans a third Bush term to Washington state next month - even as he continues to boast about his efforts to outsource at least 9,000 jobs here in Washington to France.

The AP has reported that McCain helped EADS, the French-owned company for which many of his top campaign advisors lobbied, to win a $35 billion Air Force tanker contract over Boeing. Even within the last week, McCain continued to boast about his efforts to ship Washingtonians' jobs overseas on National Public Radio: 

SIEGEL: But when you talk about cutting $100 billion in spending, though, I mean, the bridge to nowhere, the famous Alaska bridge that you've talked about as the epitome of the useless earmark, it's about $350 million. There's a huge difference between programs like that and hundreds of billions.
McCAIN: Well, in all due respect, I saved $6 billion in killing off a bogus Air Force tanker deal. I can identify billions and billions and billions of dollars. As I said, I mentioned 35, and I mentioned another 65 that's been made part of the baseline of the budget which has contributed to the largest expansion in government since the Great Society. (NPR, 4/23/08)

Washington State Democrats have called on Republicans Dino Rossi and Rob McKenna to stand up for Washington jobs instead of John McCain, as our Democratic Congressional delegation and Gov. Gregoire have done since the announcement of the tanker deal. McKenna continues to chair McCain's campaign here in Washington state, and Rossi has remained dead silent.

"Washingtonians quite literally can't afford a third Bush term of failed economic policies that ship American jobs overseas, and it's astounding that McCain has the audacity to campaign here after putting his lobbyist friends above Washington's working families," said Washington State Democratic Party Chair Dwight Pelz. "Dino Rossi and Rob McKenna, themselves Republicans in the mold of George W. Bush, continue to put their partisan loyalties to John McCain and the Republican Party ahead of the interest of Washington's working families."

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McCain Dismissed Impact of Tanker Deal on U.S. Workforce.  Asked about the deal, McCain said: "I've never believed that defense programs, that the major reason for them should be to create jobs." [Associated Press, 3/3/08]  

McCain "Pressed the Pentagon" to Ignore Airbus Subsidies When Considering Deal. "They say he pressed the Pentagon not to factor into its selection criteria alleged subsidies that Airbus was receiving from European governments, even thought the U.S. had sued the European Union at the World Trade Organization over subsidies provided to Airbus." [The Hill, 3/7/08] 

McCain Received Contributions From EADS "As Campaign Was Foundering." "McCain himself has received support from the EADS North America executive suite. He has received more than $12,000 in campaign donations from some of the company's top U.S. officials, support that continued even as his presidential campaign was foundering in mid- to late 2007." [Seattle Post Intelligencer, 3/7/2008, http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/354300_mccaintanker08.html] 

McCain Sponsored Amendment that Ended Defense Department's Buy American Requirement. In May 2003, Senate Republicans voted for a McCain amendment that would allow the Defense Department to forego a requirement to purchase American-made equipment if that equipment was manufactured by Australia, the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, The Netherlands or Spain. [Senate Vote 191, 5/21/03]

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